He is a beautiful boy and reason to celebrate but don't celebrate Autism. It causes kids to struggle, make learning difficult, social situations uncomfortable and living in the "regular" world difficult. Autism is very hard for kids that are severely affected. (also, it's AsPergers)

To anonymous: First of all, I can appreciate the place your words come from. Yes, there are some that are more severe and it makes life more challenging, but I think it is good to pause and celebrate their strengths. Not just the struggles. Every child is of worth and today I am celebrating the wonderful person my little man is in spite of his diagnosis.

You have a beautiful son! What a gorgeous profile he has. I have a daughter on the spectrum, and while I don't necessarily celebrate autism, I celebrate who she is and what she has become every. single. day. Her 7th birthday is next week and you've inspired me to get some photos of her!

Thank you Lynn for sharing your words. When I say I am celebrating- I am not celebrating a disease, but rather a little boy that is making strides and progress daily. Teaching me. Helping me to see the world differently. And letting the world know that he is a beautiful person even with the obstacles and challenges before him.

I am in love with this post!! A lot of people are being diagnosed with Autism more more these days. I am participating in a walk in my county next weekend, so I am helping to support this cause!! Very nice post!!

Alicia,At the risk of starting a riot on your blog (which is anything but my intent), why not celebrate/embrace - my nieces are legally blind, one has ADHD and one Asperger's and I myself have a progressive neurological disorder - my niece's, like your son, are amazing and teach me more about the world and what's important everytime I am with them. Does that mean our lives are without struggle - absolutely not! I say celebrate because I have a debilitating, some might say awful disorder, and am regularly asked what if I was "normal" - "if" I was normal I would not be the person I am, we are all products of the challenges and circumstances which we cross and overcome, your son, my nieces and I would not be the persons we are today without those hurdles and I gotta say -that would be a shame because he is, my nieces are and I am awesome people! It never ceases to amaze me the connotations that society impresses upon those who are different and by whose definition "quality of life" overlooks those who may not be "like you" but have such incredible resilence and talents.Emilyegaverette@cs.com

Yes, Emily! I couldn’t have said it better myself. “…we are all products of the challenges and circumstances which we cross and overcome, your son, my nieces and I would not be the persons we are today without those hurdles and I gotta say -that would be a shame because he is, my nieces are and I am awesome people!” Beautifully said.

I think he is who he is. Regardless of why. And we all have struggles and challenges of one kind or another. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to cry sometimes, but all I can do is love him and try to be the best mom I know how. Thank you for sharing this wonderful message.

what a total stud that boy of yours is- he seems like a sweet sweet boy. Boys just melt my heart for some reason. Have missed reading your blog. I have lots of catching up to do. Thanks for checking in with me. hope all is well.

Beautiful post! I had a student with Asperger's syndrome one year. It was one of the more challenging years but most rewarding because he (the boy with asperger's) and I learned so much about our individual abilities & strengths. It was the best year I had teaching to date.

And I'd like to add, that I'm not usually a music fan on blogs - but yours.....love the playlist. Easy to listen to. Easy to read and listen at the same time. :-) I think I'm converting my perspective on music. :-)

Your son is so adorable and his personality shines! (also your camera is amazing!) He definitely has some amazing strengths and like I said on my response to your comment, that diagnosis is key to helping him and it does not define him.

WOW first BRAVO on your pics, words and post. I have not had any autism in my family, but have seen small amounts in friend's children. I have caught myself lately talking about it though. And I always call them the "gifted" not the diseased or mental disorder, or anything to that nature. I truly believe GOD has brought all this gifts to us for a reason, and one day that will be answered for each of us. May GOB bless you and your family! And also may your son continue to thrive!! And... CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS A CELEBRATION!!

I'm supposed to be commenting on Wordless Wednesday (which was GORGEOUS!!) but I had briefly seen this post earlier this week and was drawn back to it. Thank you for sharing this with us (and the visuals are, of course, stunning). Sending prayers and many warm thoughts your way as your family integrates this NVLD into your lives. He looks like a wonderful boy.

beautiful post. I loved every thing about it. What an incredible son you have! I have two children on the Spectrum and they are amazing. You're an inspiration and celebratng our children is the perfect thing to do. I'm following your blog now.:)